TSA issues urgent warning to all smartphone users over data theft
Many people would consider themselves to be nervous flyers. But a recent warning from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may be an indication that you need to be more worried about what happens before you even get on a plane. 'In this technology age, cybersecurity has never been more important,' the TSA wrote on a recent Facebook post.
'You've likely heard about things like email scams and social media scams (tip: don't accept that friend request from your buddy's "new" profile), but today we want to share our two best tips for staying cyber safe at airports while you're traveling.' Both of the tips involved safety with your smartphone.
While we all typically glue ourselves to our phone once we're safely by our gate and waiting for a flight, it's possible that your mobile device might be behind your next cybersecurity attack. The TSA suggested that charging ports at the airport aren't always as trustworthy as you might have assumed.
They warned against 'juice jacking,' which is when a charging port has been altered so that it can be used to transfer malware to or steal personal information from a phone. 'So, when you're at an airport do not plug your phone directly into a USB port,' the TSA wrote. 'Bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there.'
The second warning involves WiFi. In terms of free internet, the TSA pretty much says to stay away entirely. 'Don't use free public WiFi, especially if you're planning to make any online purchases,' the entity posted. 'Do not ever enter any sensitive info while using unsecure WiFi.'
Similar to juice jacking, some unsecure WiFi networks could be stealing your information - which includes your card information when you're trying to pay for something. So what if you need to get on the WiFi? The TSA suggested you disconnect from unknown networks, only enter encrypted sites, and stay away from downloads.
You should also be weary of inputting any information of yourself aside from your email onto any sort of site. Though both charging points and WiFi are offered at airports, it might be safest to avoid them. By following the TSA's tips, the most dangerous thing to consider at the airport would be missing your flight.
